Select Board OKs wine license despite neighbor's concerns
The Andover Select Board approved a wine and malt license for a Mahjong club over a neighbor's noise objections and adopted the town's first hazard mitigation plan.
Select Board · Meeting of September 28, 2026
ANDOVER — The Andover Select Board approved a wine and malt license for a Mahjong club over a neighbor's noise objections and adopted the town's first hazard mitigation plan. Owner Courtney Barker said the Hidden Parlor grew from informal games with "more than 30 moms meeting in my basement" into a 69 Park Street venue with over 70 members, while abutter Susan Lindholm warned "it is a neighborhood and it does impact us." The board voted 3-0 to approve the license and separately found it would not harm the adjacent Free Christian Church. Director of Sustainability and Energy Melissa Usen said adopting the Hazard Mitigation Plan unlocks FEMA grant eligibility and $28,000 in state reimbursement.
The board also created a 14-space free senior parking pilot, accepted a $12,000 Andover Soccer Association donation, and approved National Grid's conduit replacement near Langley Lane. Town Manager Andrew Flanagan told member Kevin Coffey the town's cybersecurity investigation remains ongoing before any reporting to the attorney general.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 3,573 words
Source: the Select Board meeting of September 28, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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